Read: Psalm 15:1 |
Restricted Entry!
What is your reaction when you see such a sign? Do you look around and wonder what is inside that requires restrictions? Or, do you simply turn away.
In this case, David poses the question in reverse. He asks who can enter and dwell with God. He then outlines who is qualified to enter. Those who do not qualify are restricted from entry by their own choices.
Let’s explore the ten qualities that David outlines as things that “qualify” us to enter and live on God’s holy mountain.
About
Psalm 15 is written by David. Most theologians agree that David wrote this Psalm after he oversaw the work of moving the Ark of the Covenant to the holy hill of Zion.
This psalm makes extensive usage of a Hebrew didactic poetry style. This style expresses parallel thoughts using couplets. The first verse frames the question. The subsequent verses outline what a believer should do. The part “b” of each verse typically notes what the believer should not do or avoid doing. Taken together, each couplet outlines the behavior we should follow and provides a guideline to indicate if we are off-track.
Main Message – Standards each Believer should exhibit
How good is good enough?
David uses verses 2-6 to provide a decalogue of distinctive traits that a believer should exhibit as we serve God each day.
| # | Trait | Verse | Helpful References |
| 1 | Integrity – Walk without blame | 2a | Psalm 18:32; Romans 3:22-26; Romans 4:13; Romans 5:17-21; Ephesians 1:4; I Thess. 3:13; Titus 1:6 |
| 2 | Righteous – Virtuous actions and speech | 2b | |
| 3 | Truthful – Speech is factual | 2c | Proverbs 16:13; Jeremiah 7:28; Zechariah 8:16; Romans 9:1; Ephesians 4:25 |
| 4 | Respectful – Speech lacks slander/gossip | 3a | Leviticus 19:16; Psalms 119:172; Psalms 120:2; James 3:5-9; 1 Peter 3:10 |
| 5 | Helpful – Actions are supportable to all neighbors | 3b | |
| 6 | Discerning – Despises vile people | 4a | Matthew 10:5-13, Matthew 10:15-16; John 2:13-17; Matthew 23:25-33; Luke 23:33-35; Romans 5:6-8 |
| 7 | Humility – Honors other believers | 4b | |
| 8 | Promise-Keeper – Keeps an oath | 4c | Deuteronomy 23:21; James 5:12 |
| 9 | Charity – Good steward to the poor | 5a | Exodus 22:25; Proverbs 19:17; Proverbs 21:13; Luke 6:20; Luke 18:22; James 2:15-17 |
| 10 | Honesty – Does not accept bribes | 5b | Exodus 18:21; 1 Samuel 8:2-3; Proverbs 17:23 |
The ten traits assume that we have already accepted Christ as our Savior. For we could not hope to attain any of these traits without the blood of Christ covering our sins. As we live and work out our soul’s salvation, these traits are evidence of the depth and breadth of our faith in action. Derek Kidner in his commentary on this passage points out that “the qualities the psalm describes are those that God creates in a man, not those he finds in him”. These “created traits” are revealed by applying our faith and following God’s plan for our lives.
Psalm 15 ends with a promise. “Those who do these things shall never be moved.”
The promise applies to those who accept Him, and by His power live up to the tenfold examples of holy living. The term “moved” is not talking about staying in the same location. The Hebrew word translated as “moved” here is also translated as “shaken” and as “fall down.”
Thus, the last verse indicates that when we live a holy life, regardless of where we are, we’re abiding in God’s tent. God is present with us to keep us from falling … no matter what happens.
Our reward for believing and walking with God is to one day go to Heaven and abide with Him for eternity. Until then, I gladly accept an opportunity to serve Him on earth and strive to achieve these traits day by day!
God’s house is a hive for workers, not a nest for drones.
– Charles Spurgeon
Questions:
1. Discover –
A. Read the Psalm for yourself. What strikes you most as you read it? What do you think are the easiest and hardest traits to attain?
B. For these 10 traits, how good is good enough? If you can score 70% or more of these traits, is that good enough?
2. Develop –
A. Pick a trait that you believe you do not exhibit at all or very often. Share it with a prayer partner or spouse to brainstorm ways that you can improve and strive to be more consistent.
3. Demonstrate –
A. Be authentic and accountable by sharing traits that used to be a weakness for you. How were you able to overcome the weakness and grow in this area? How long did it take?
